Manageable Substance Applicator Delivery Container

ABSTRACT

The improved substance applicator delivery container includes a substance applicator component infused or impregnated with a desired scent, perfume, essential oil, or chemical substance and retained between two cover sheets of material that is substantially impermeable to the infused or impregnated substance. The two cover sheets are releasably bonded through a polymer adhesive surrounding the substance applicator. The substance applicator component may also be bonded to the bottom cover sheet through a semi-rigid to rigid polymer carrier component, which provides additional control for application of the substance. The polymer adhesive may be deposited in a chevron-shaped feature near the top edge of the packet to allow for controlled opening of the packet. Gripping ridges near the top edge of the packet further assist the controlled opening of the packet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional Application No. 61/936,438, filed Feb. 6, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to disposable packetized wipe containers and applicators and, more specifically, to personal disposable packetized wipe containers and applicators for the application of scents, perfumes, oils, chemicals, compounds, creams, lotions, and like substances.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

Traditional packetized fiber pad or towelette-based scent/perfume/essential oils/chemical delivery systems have numerous shortcomings. To begin, the packets are difficult to open, inefficient, and messy to use. For example, the common foil packet container must be torn to open or its front and back sections pulled apart to expose the fiber pad or towelette (the “substance applicator”) contained therein. This typically presents an all or nothing situation in that the packet is fully opened, exposing the substance applicator in its entirety with no reasonable or effective means whereby the packet may be reclosed. Thus, the applicator must be used at once before the substance with which the applicator is impregnated dries. This often results in the user wasting, contaminating, or over applying the substance when the towelette is handled directly, which tends to spread the substance to areas beyond simply the desired application site (e.g., neck, face, wrists, etc.).

To extend the lifespan of traditional packetized substance applicators it thus becomes necessary to increase the overall size of the applicator portion, making the overall packets unwieldy and inconvenient for many personal uses. For example, a substance applicator providing a valuable perfume in such an oversized packet is unreasonably sized for carrying in a handbag or pocket. Moreover, once such a packet is opened the scent is released in its maximum concentration only to rapidly diffuse due to no means for exposure control of the substance applicator.

Moreover, the container can be difficult to open in instances where the front and back sections of the foil must be pulled apart by the user to access the substance applicator. The outward pressure applied by the user's fingers at the top edge of the foil packet is often unevenly distributed across the top adhesive border of the packet, causing uneven and poor control of the physical separation process. This can lead to inadvertent loss of the contents and accidental spread of the substance and/or contamination of the substance applicator.

Another area for scent distribution is through portable electronic device protective sleeves or cases. Current aroma-exuding mobile device case covers are manufactured from aromatic materials. For example, such case covers are made from silicone and/or polymers that are infused or otherwise combined with essential oils such that the infused cases emit a detectable aroma. A problem with this type of device is that the aroma fades quickly because the fully exposed aromatic surfaces of the case allow the essential oil to dissipate quickly, with essentially no way to “recharge” the scent. As such, the entire cover must be replaced to achieve a new scent. Moreover, only one scent can be used for life of such a sleeve or case. To change scents requires replacement of the entire sleeve/case.

Still another area for scent distribution is within closed spaces. Traditional sent/perfume/essential oil delivery devices for enclosed spaces (e.g. automobile driver/passenger compartment, trash cans, linen closets, chests, rooms, desks, office cubicles) are hazardous due to distraction inducement, risk of permanence due to difficulty and cost of cleaning, and lack of dissipation control, which creates a poor user experience. In the case of automobile usage, current such devices are distractions to the driver as plastic envelopes with scent cards hanging from windshield rear-view mirrors, with no means for moderating the scent/perfume/essential oils dissipation.

Therefore, a need exists for more efficient methodologies, systems and mechanisms for personal and/or electronic device scent/perfume/essential oil/chemical delivery. The present invention satisfies these needs and others as disclosed in the accompanying invention specification.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a manageable substance applicator delivery container, the container comprising: a first packet cover separably bonded to a second packet cover with a bonding compound to form a container for a substance applicator therein, the first and second packet covers each having at least one corresponding opening edge, each opening edge comprising a chevron-shaped bonding feature, wherein the chevron-shaped bonding feature initially concentrates a container opening-force applied by a user near the point of the chevron-shaped bonding feature and finally controls distribution of the container opening-force along the respective opening edges in an outward direction from the point; and a substance applicator bonded with a polymer carrier to the first packet cover. Additional embodiments include a rigid polymer carrier and raised gripping ridges on the opening edges. Various other alternate embodiments are included.

The invention also provides a manageable substance applicator delivery container, the container comprising: a first packet cover separably bonded to a second packet cover with a bonding compound to form a container for a substance applicator therein, the first and second packet covers each having at least one corresponding opening edge, each opening edge comprising at least one chevron-shaped bonding feature, wherein the chevron-shaped bonding feature initially concentrates a container opening-force applied by a user near the point of the chevron-shaped bonding feature and finally controls distribution of the container opening-force along the respective opening edges in an outward direction from the point. Additional embodiments include a rigid polymer carrier and raised gripping ridges on the opening edges, in addition to various other alternate embodiments.

The invention also provides a manageable substance applicator delivery container, the container comprising: a first packet cover separably bonded to a second packet cover with a bonding compound to form a container for a substance applicator therein, the first and second packet covers each having at least one corresponding opening edge; and a substance applicator bonded with a polymer carrier to the first packet cover. Additional embodiments include a rigid polymer carrier and raised gripping ridges on the opening edges, in addition to various other alternate embodiments that include at least one chevron-shaped bonding feature, wherein the chevron-shaped bonding feature initially concentrates a container opening-force applied by a user near the point of the chevron-shaped bonding feature and finally controls distribution of the container opening-force along the respective opening edges in an outward direction from the point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a substance applicator packet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the substance applicator packet embodiment in a partially peeled-back position, exposing a top chevron-shaped seal made of polymer and a substance applicator made of pulp or fiber material in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the substance applicator packet embodiment in a partially peeled-back position, with the substance applicator edge pulled back to expose a stiff polymer carrier in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the method steps for using the substance applicator packet embodiment, highlighting the benefits appurtenant thereto;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of substance applicator packet configured as a personal air freshener in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, depicting a segment of the air freshener card with the substance applicator exposed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of substance applicator packet configured as a personal air freshener in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, depicting a segment of the air freshener card with the substance applicator exposed;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device case highlighting the perforations through which scent may diffuse, and further highlighting the scent sheet with removable sections wherein the user may remove portions of the outer foil covering to allow for controlled dissipation of scent/perfume/essential oils in accordance with the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a personal mobile device case with cavity for holding a removable scent sheet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a device case with a pass-through feature for easily accepting and retaining the scent sheet in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a device case with an external pouch for accepting and retaining the scent sheet in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

The above figures are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosed invention. Use of the same reference number in multiple figures is intended to designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, if and where the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the particular embodiment. The extension of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a substance applicator packet in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. As depicted, the packet (100) is comprised of a foil material outer covering (102) that includes a first bottom packet cover sheet segment and a second top packet cover sheet segment, both of which are separably bonded together (i.e., bonded, yet capable of separation through application of force) to positively contain a substance applicator therein. The substance applicator is not directly visible in this figure, but its impression may be visible as a result of indentations (104) in the outer covers (102) of the packet due to the effects of vacuum or pressure sealing of the packet. At the opening edge of the packet are raised gripping ridges (106) on each respective sheet segment that provide added gripping friction for a user intent on opening the packet (100), thereby easing the effort required to separate the two cover segments to access the substance applicator therein. The outer cover in other embodiments may utilize a polymer material, or may comprise a combination of foil material and polymer material (including polymer film) to prevent and/or reduce dissipation of the substance therein, thereby being substantially contained-substance impermeable. The material chosen is, therefore, dependent upon the substance therein, and is within the skill of one of ordinary skill to select based upon application specifications such as reactivity of the substance and cover materials, substance molecule size in relation to permeability of the cover material, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the substance applicator packet (100) embodiment in a partially peeled-back position, exposing a chevron-shaped bonding and sealing feature (202) made of polymer adhesive and a substance applicator (204) made of pulp or fiber material in accordance with the invention. The substance applicator is intended to be impregnated or infused with a desired substance (for example, a scent, perfume, essential oil, oil, chemical, chemical compound, cream, lotion, medicinal cream, or other such substance) prior to the original sealing of the packet (100) (i.e., bonding of the top and bottom sheet segments). The polymer adhesive bonding compound (206) around the perimeter of the packet and surrounding the substance applicator (204) releasably bonds and substantially seals the two packet halves together to prevent or reduce dissipation of the infused/impregnated substance while allowing for the packet halves to be pulled apart by physical pulling force imparted on the raised ridges (106) by an end user. The chevron-shaped seal feature (202) of the greater polymer adhesive bonding compound (206) extends approximately half way into the raised ridge portion (106) in the depicted embodiment, but may extend to a greater or lesser extent in another embodiment. The substance applicator (204) may be bonded to the bottom cover sheet, or may be removable.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the substance applicator packet (100) embodiment in a partially peeled-back position, with the substance applicator edge pulled back to expose a polymer carrier (302) in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this depiction the polymer carrier (302) is clearly shown. The polymer carrier (302) is flexible or semi-rigid, and in some embodiments may be rigid, and provides a means whereby the fiber substance applicator (204) may be bonded to the bottom packet cover segment (304). During manufacturing of this embodiment a top (306) and bottom (304) packet cover are provided, with gripping ridges formed in one corresponding end of each. The bottom packet cover (304) receives a polymer carrier (302) that is placed substantially in the center of the cover, along with a fiber substance applicator (204) placed thereon as shown. A heating device with needle-like features compresses the substance applicator against the polymer carrier (302) such that heat from the device needles and the backing beneath the outer edge of the bottom packet cover (304) causes the polymer carrier to slightly melt and adhere to both the cover (304) and the applicator (204), thereby forming the depicted stippled effect visible in FIG. 2.

The substance applicator (204) may have been provided pre-impregnated with the desired substance, or may now be impregnated with the desired substance. Next, the bottom cover (304) is coated with a polymer adhesive bonding compound (206) to form a complete perimeter around the substance applicator (204) and the chevron-shaped feature (202) as depicted. Finally, the top cover (306) is placed over the bottom cover (304) and heat is applied around the perimeter to melt the polymer adhesive (206) including chevron-shaped feature (202), thereby sealing the top and bottom covers and completing the packet for use. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the sequence and number of manufacturing steps may be altered without departing from the claimed invention. Moreover, it will also be appreciated that the substance applicator (204), polymer carrier (302), and bottom cover sheet (304) may be bonded using other appropriate bonding means as practiced in the art (for example, chemical bonding may be utilized as well). This method of manufacture is not intended to be limiting with regard to the manufacture of the embodiments described herein, but is merely provided as an example of how such an inventive substance applicator packet may be manufactured. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that variations to the equipment described and the manufacturing steps taken are envisioned herein and are not limiting with regard to the language of the claims unless expressly stated therein.

When the two corresponding ends with gripping ridges are pulled outward by an end user, the chevron-shaped feature (202) of the polymer adhesive in this embodiment has the effect of concentrating the outward forces first at the tip of the chevron (202) to establish an initial separation of the two halves. This concentration of force at this chevron tip allows for easier initial separation of the two halves, which means that a stronger bonding polymer adhesive may be utilized without increasing the separation force required by an end user. Following this initial separation at this tip (202), the separation force then propagates along the chevron-shaped feature (202) along both sides towards the outer packet edge in a consistent fashion. This allows the packet halves to separate with minimal distortion of the overall packet, which prevents accidental exposure of the user's hands to the substance applicator (204) thereby avoiding unwanted application of the substance thereto. The greater control in packet opening provided by the chevron feature (202) affords the user greater control over the contents therein. In yet another embodiment the chevron-shaped feature is replaced with a substantially straight line of polymer adhesive near this top opening edge of the packet, foregoing this benefit of a controlled packet opening. In yet another embodiment the packet may have multiple opening ends with one or more chevron-shaped features at each opening end, thereby allowing the packet to be opened from any such end. Moreover, such additional embodiments may provide opening ends with or without gripping ridges.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of the method steps for using the substance applicator packet embodiment, highlighting the benefits appurtenant thereto. As shown, the user has access to a substance applicator packet (402) as described and claimed herein. In this instance the substance applicator packet is a valuable perfume applicator. Gripping the top edge of the packet at the ridges near the center at the tip of the chevron feature, the user exerts gentle outward pressure to separate the packet halves (404). In this instance the packet half with the polymer carrier and substance applicator is in the users left hand. The user may then apply the scent to his or her wrist while holding the half with the polymer carrier and substance applicator (406). The packet half to which the polymer carrier and substance applicator are attached keeps the scent from being inadvertently applied to other parts of the body, and allows for excellent control over the sent application points, which in this case are the user's wrists (406). The scent may also be applied to other areas of the user's body without concern for inadvertent contact with body parts to which the perfume should not be applied or is not intended to be applied (408).

The substance applicator embodiment is also useful for the control and application of chemicals and chemical compounds. For example, the substance applicator may be impregnated with an anti-bacterial chemical formula for disinfecting specific surfaces, such as a computer keyboard or counter tops. The applicator packet embodiment provides superior control over the handling and application of the substance. Other uses include the application of medicines and medicinal compounds, multi-part adhesives, hair tinting solutions, makeup, nail polish and remover, skin care compounds, soldering pastes and fluxes, metal treatment compounds, inks or paints, automobile surface buffers/cleaners, nanotech substance application for screen or lens protection, etc.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of substance applicator packet configured as a personal air freshener in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, depicting a segment of the air freshener card with the substance applicator exposed. In this embodiment, three separate segments are depicted (502, 504, and 506), which provide three separate substance applicator portions formed into a single top (510) and single bottom cover segment (510). Each segment features a top portion with gripping ridges (512) and serrations between the sections to allow the peeling-back and removal of the segments one-by-one as scent is needed. As with the previous embodiment each features a chevron-shaped feature (514) near the gripping ridges to evenly distribute the pulling force across the respective segment (502 in this example). An adhesive backing (516) is also included to allow for attachment of the air freshener card embodiment to a surface. Although the present embodiment utilizes an adhesive backing, other means of attachment are contemplated. For example, a magnet backing may be utilized for attachment of the air freshener card embodiment to magnetic surfaces, whereas an electrostatic backing treatment may be utilized for attaching the air freshener card to non-porous surfaces (e.g., glass, polymer, etc.). A hook-and-loop fastener material may also be utilized for removable attachment to surfaces. Moreover, although three segments are depicted in this embodiment, other embodiments may utilize two or more segments to provide the personal air freshener as described.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of substance applicator packet configured as a personal air freshener in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, depicting a segment of the air freshener card with the substance applicator exposed. As with the previous embodiment, three separate removable segments are provided (602, 604, and 606), with the rightmost top segment (602) removed for clarity. Beneath the removable top covers is a single substance applicator (608) that is gradually exposed as additional scent is desired and additional segment covers are removed. The segment widths influence the number of segments available on this embodiment of the substance applicator packet. Thus, dividing the overall packet width into smaller segment widths will create additional segments, which will afford finer control over the amount of the substance applicator that is exposed at any given time, thereby controlling the diffusion of scent. The chevron-shaped feature (610) may be narrowed according to the chosen segment width to provide opening control for the respective segment. In yet another embodiment the substance applicator packet may include multiple opening ends per segment, with or without one or more chevron-shaped features per opening end.

In another embodiment a personal substance applicator sleeve or sheet may be removably affixed to a personal portable device such as a mobile phone, notebook computer and computer tablet or any type of mobile product or electronic device and/or case. This affords the user the ability to choose a desired personalized scent or combination of scents to emanate from the portable device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device case highlighting the perforations through which scent may diffuse, and further highlighting the scent sheet with removable sections wherein the user may remove portions of the outer foil covering to allow for controlled dissipation of scent/perfume/essential oils in accordance with the embodiment. As depicted, the mobile device case (702) is a smartphone protective case that attaches to the rear of a smartphone. Perforations (704) in the case allow for the passage of air through the case and therefore, the scent or aroma from a substance applicator scent sheet (706). In this embodiment the scent sheet (706) comprises a top and bottom segment, the bottom segment (712) supporting a polymer carrier beneath a substance applicator (710). The substance applicator covers the entire bottom segment (712) and is exposed piecemeal by removal of serrated top cover sections as shown. Given the divisions in the top section, the piecemeal removal of segments affords control of the diffusion of the scent through the perforations (704) and, therefore, affords control of the strength of the sent emanating therefrom. As the scent fades, additional top segments may be removed thereby exposing additional areas of the substance applicator (710).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a personal mobile device case with cavity for holding a removable scent sheet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As depicted, the substance applicator scent sheet (706) fits within a recess in the inside cavity of the device case (702). Insertion of the mobile device (802) retains the scent sheet (706) within the recess. To expose additional portions of the scent sheet or to change the scent sheet to release a different scent, the mobile device (802) is removed and the scent sheet (706) manipulated as needed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a device case with a pass-through feature for easily accepting and retaining the scent sheet in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the mobile device case (902) includes a slot (904) for accepting the scent sheet (706). The slot allows insertion and removal of the scent sheet (706) from the case (902) recess even with a mobile device installed therein.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a device case with an external pouch for accepting and retaining the scent sheet in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As depicted, the device case (1002) includes an external pouch (1004) with an opening (1006) that allows insertion and removal of a scent sheet (706). The external pouch (1004) may be formed as a portion of the case (1002), or may be a separate device that is attachable to the back of a mobile device through use of an adhesive, for example. Although the personal mobile device case as depicted is a smartphone protective case, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that the teachings are intended to include application to tablet, laptop, and other such portable device cases.

In yet another embodiment of the invention variable and/or static perforation in the substance applicator scent sheet are provided to secure the sheet to anther object. For example, the sheet may be attached to a shoe by threading a shoelace through the scent sheet variable and/or static perforation. Such securement perforations may include a securement mechanism, such a snap lock, sliced lock, pressure clamp, or the like.

Another embodiment of the invention may be to provide a scent/aroma card size of the sent/aroma card to fit in an SD memory card retention slot on a notebook mobile computing device, mobile cell phone device, tablet computer device, camera or camera device, or music/audio device. The scent/aroma card is not exclusive to an SD card slot: other openings may be adequate for application. Another embodiment of the invention may be to allow the scent card to attach to the USB or SD connector slots in a computing device.

Another embodiment of the invention may be to provide a 3.5 headphone jack male connector connected to the scent card. The headphone male jack is inserted into the female 3.5 headphone connector on the mobile device.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is established by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein. Further, the recitation of method steps does not denote a particular sequence for execution of the steps. Such method steps may therefore be performed in a sequence other than that recited unless the particular claim expressly states otherwise. 

We claim:
 1. A manageable substance applicator delivery container, the container comprising: a first packet cover separably bonded to a second packet cover with a bonding compound to form a container for a substance applicator therein, the first and second packet covers each having at least one corresponding opening edge, each opening edge comprising a chevron-shaped bonding feature, wherein the chevron-shaped bonding feature initially concentrates a container opening-force applied by a user near the point of the chevron-shaped bonding feature and finally controls distribution of the container opening-force along the respective opening edges in an outward direction from the point; and a substance applicator bonded with a polymer carrier to the first packet cover.
 2. The manageable substance applicator delivery container of claim 1, wherein the polymer carrier is rigid.
 3. The manageable substance applicator delivery container of claim 1, each corresponding opening edge further comprising: a plurality of raised gripping ridges.
 4. A manageable substance applicator delivery container, the container comprising: a first packet cover separably bonded to a second packet cover with a bonding compound to form a container for a substance applicator therein, the first and second packet covers each having at least one corresponding opening edge, each opening edge comprising at least one chevron-shaped bonding feature, wherein the chevron-shaped bonding feature initially concentrates a container opening-force applied by a user near the point of the chevron-shaped bonding feature and finally controls distribution of the container opening-force along the respective opening edges in an outward direction from the point.
 5. The manageable substance applicator delivery container of claim 4, the container further comprising: a polymer carrier for bonding the substance applicator to the inside of the first packet cover.
 6. The manageable substance applicator delivery container of claim 5, wherein the polymer carrier is rigid.
 7. The manageable substance applicator delivery container of claim 4, each corresponding opening edge further comprising: a plurality of raised gripping ridges.
 8. A manageable substance applicator delivery container, the container comprising: a first packet cover separably bonded to a second packet cover with a bonding compound to form a container for a substance applicator therein, the first and second packet covers each having at least one corresponding opening edge; and a substance applicator bonded with a polymer carrier to the first packet cover.
 9. The manageable substance applicator delivery container of claim 8, wherein the polymer carrier is rigid.
 10. The manageable substance applicator delivery container of claim 8, wherein each corresponding opening edge further comprises: a plurality of raised gripping ridges.
 11. The manageable substance applicator delivery container of claim 8, wherein each corresponding opening edge further comprises: at least one chevron-shaped bonding feature, wherein the chevron-shaped bonding feature initially concentrates a container opening-force applied by a user near the point of the chevron-shaped bonding feature and finally controls distribution of the container opening-force along the respective opening edges in an outward direction from the point. 